Bedlam #5 Review

I have been a fan of this series from #1, and I have really been enjoying the way it has been growing as of late. Some of the smaller characters are really starting to come to the forefront, and it seems to be going into a direction with this story arc that I really did not see coming; which means that this is becoming one hell of a book.

Once again, like previous issues, this had two different plot points running throughout it. The first of these being in the present day as Fillmore works with the police department in order to track down the killer. The second plot point focused on Madder Red and his treatment by the doctor that we still do not know too much about.
I am a big fan of how even though there are two plot points running through these books, they do run very smoothly along with each other. They also tend to relate like they did in this issue. Also, normally when this method is used, there can be one story that is less intriguing than the other. However, in this series there is no such thing as that. The past is just as exciting as the present; and I guess right there is why these issues are such great reads.

The whole question, or theme if you like, surrounding this particular issue is reformation. We have been led to believe that Fillmore is fully reformed, but some of his actions towards the end of this issue has made us now question that. The ending of this issue has not just led us to question what we thought we knew about the character, but it has also created a very interesting scenario that I am sure will be explored in the next issue.
I am also looking forward to finding out more about his past. We have been left to believe that the Dr who was reforming him was doing it on his own orders. This issue has questioned that; leaving us wondering just who the hell is behind it.

As always with this series, both story and art were exceptional. The art by Riley Rossmo is so very unique, meaning that it is instantly recognisable. It also still suits this book perfectly which I am sure I have mentioned before in previous reviews of this series. I know that some people may not like this series due to it being something that I don't think anyone expected it to be. However, if this is something that you have read then I advise you not to be put off by it. Pick up these first 5 issues, as well as the next, and make up your own mind with this story arc. I know it is not for everyone, but I can guarantee that if it is your sort of thing then you will love it.

Rating: 8.5 /10

Bedlam #4 Review

In this issue things start wrapping up in the first arc of this series.We start getting answers in regards to just who this new serial killer is going around, as well as the reasons behind it. This is a funny issue as our main character is literally hardly in it at all. This is strange as this may actually be my favourite issue of the series so far behind the mightily 10 / 10 first issue of the series; and Fillmore Press is only in a few panels. Just goes to show how good this series is.

So in this issue we learn more about who the serial killer is, but how did we learn this? Well, this issue was very police procedural; focusing on some of the fringe characters of the series, and Guess what? The effect this had was tremendous. It was thrilling seeing these police officers coming closer and closer to just what was going on, and I felt a sense of achievement for them when they finally narrowed the suspects down. This could have been a really boring issue in the hands of the wrong person, but Nick Spencer really knows how to right any sort of genre it seems. The genre of this book keeps moving around between issues, and even between pages in some cases, but Spencer seems to know exactly what he is doing with it.

The serial killer in question has not really done anything to really make me too interested in him throughout this series, but that all changes in this book. The last couple of pages were shocking to say the least, and I am sure they will be upsetting parents around the world if they saw that their child was reading something like this. Make no mistake whatsoever, this is a mature book and the content of this issue really confirmed that. Once again, this goes to show just how powerful the story telling and art are in this book.

When this arc most probably concludes in the next issue, I really do not have a clue where this series will go. This is not a concern in the slightest, in fact it just makes me even more interested in this series. It now seems like there are endless routes as we are not only interested in just the one character now, but the fringe characters are also worthy of our attention. This is a very exciting time to get involved in this series, and I for one am sure that it is going to lead us in some thrilling directions in the not too distant future.

Rating: 8.5 / 10

Bedlam #3 Review

If you guys remember I gave #1 of this series 10 / 10, which was my first top score in this blog. I also really enjoyed #2, however it was going in a direction that I was not expecting so was not as keen on it as I was with the first. Going in to #3 I was more sure with what to expect which definitely helped in regards to my enjoyment of this issue. I loved the way the story has progressed in this book, and the development of the fringe characters was also brilliantly done in this issue.

Fillmore Press was once against fantastic in this issue. I think it is clear that the further he gets into the crimes in the future, the more he will most likely remember about his alter ego. However, for the time being it is great to see his strange way of thinking come to life off the pages.
As mentioned the development of other characters is starting to come through, especially in regards to Detective Acevedo. I have a feeling that she will have a constant presence in this series for a while to come, and it will be interesting to see just how she is going to be used.

I am also looking forward to finding out a little bit more on the guy who is carrying out these murders. He is yet another character in this book, much like Madder Red, who can only really fit in this book. His appearance is indeed very shocking, but he really is a perfect fit for a series of this nature.
Speaking of Madder Red; the first couple of pages of this book which featured him were very shocking. Not many words were needed for what was being depicted. Once again, only in this book would something like that be acceptable.

This was once again another great issue of a series that really has me hooked. The last page reveal has me very excited for the next issue, and I really cant wait to see Fillmore Press is going to get out of being a suspect in this murder case.
The art once again was great. The rough scratchy style really suits the tone of this book. It really feels like these pictures have been taken right out of Nick Spencers' mine, which shows how great of a job that Riley Rossmo is doing. Bring on #4, which I am sure will be just as disturbing as the previous three issues. We wouldn't want it any other way with this series.

Rating: 8.5 / 10

Bedlam #2 Review

The first issue of this series was one of the best first issues I have ever read. It was so good in fact that I gave it my first ever 10 / 10 rating in this blog. I really did dig it. So the question is: can the second issue carry on from where the first left of?; I was certainly hoping so. When I finally received it in the mail this week I was beyond excited. So, what did I think of it? Lets see...

This issue starts with what seems like a chance meeting between two old friends. These two men are people we have not come across in this series so far, so I was initially very confused about the relevance of what exactly I was reading. The ending of their meeting was what confused me the most due to its shocking nature. However, later on in the issue everything tied together very nicely. These events have no doubt led to more questions being asked, yet it is a fun ride so them not being answered yet is not so bad.

In this issue we also got to see a lot more of the Dr that operated on Madder Red in order to create Fillmore. Fillmore told him about how he got in touch with a police detective about the recent murders that are happening around the city. The Dr did not seem impressed by this and seemed concerned about Fillmore's true identity coming out. However, there is definitely something off about this Dr, which I am sure we will find out more about. His motives are not too clear, and I do believe he has some kind of agenda that has not come out yet.
We were also introduced to a couple of police detectives. Their dialogue opened up questions about Fillmore, and how he may have a bigger hand in these murders that we have previously been led to believe. I also wonder if Madder Red is possibly still around?
The ending of this particular issue has also confused us readers about what is actually happening here. That is not a bad thing at all though. Obviously in some cases this can be a very bad way for books to conduct business, instead this has left me intrigued about the book; and more specifically the characters at the center of these unanswered questions.

The art, much like the first issue, suits this book perfectly. It is not the type of art that I usually like, however it feels very at home here. Combine this with the tale that Nick Spencer is weaving, and we have a very good comic book series here on our hands. This issue may not be as good as last months installment, however it is well worth a read as it pushes the story forward quite well. Maybe not as fast as some readers may have wanted it to, however I am fine being spoon fed information. Just sit back and enjoy it.

Rating: 8 / 10

Bedlam #1 Review

The feeling I got from reading this book was the same I got after first reading Saga #1. That is how good this book is,and how high my expectations are for future issues. If you are a horror fan of any kind then this is definitely for you.

The books starts off as we see some of the actions of a character called Madder Red. He is pretty much the joker. However, he may be even more twisted than Gotham City's biggest villain. The story then shifts to present day as we see Fillmore Press, a man who seems like he probably used to be Madder Red, going through everyday life. The way the book shifts back and to is absolutely superb.
The dialogue from both Red and Fillmore Press is gripping stuff. I found myself totally immersed in what they were saying. I am not saying what they had to say was sane in any way, because trust me, it wasn't. What it was was though was intriguing, and it led to some scenes that were just downright creepy.

Now lets talk about the art. If the art was any different to what it is, then this book would not work nearly half as well as it does. Riley Rossmo knocks it out of the park. It has a kind of scratchy effect, which when I first saw the preview I actually was not too sure whether I liked it. However, after reading the first couple of pages you soon realise that Rossmo is the perfect artist for this job.

It may be too soon to say that this series is going to be a massive hit. However, the main characters in this book are written so well, it is difficult to see how this book can fail. Also bear in mind that this is written by none other than Nick Spencer (Morning Glories), and we are pretty much onto a winner with this title. 


Rating 10/10

This is my first ever 10/10 rating on this blog. That shows just how much I loved this book. Pick it up!

Pull List 10/31

Hey!

     I have ordered my weekly comic books online today. They should get to me on either Saturday or Monday. The reviews that I decide to do for these issues will be published early next week. These comic books are:

Image: Bedlam #1 (I am super excited for this book!)
           Fatale #9
           Happy #2

Marvel: Hit Girl #4

Zenescope: Wonderland #4


Oh I am also purchasing a couple more books this week ( today in fact ). The review for these if I decide to review them will be published in the next couple of days. These are:

Ultimate Spider-Man #16.1
Wolverine and the X-Men #19

I hope you all have a great Halloween! Stay safe.